Krishna Janmashtami 2019: Why India celebrates this divine birthday at midnight

Krishna Janmashtami popularly known as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Krishna is believed to be born at midnight (Ashtami) in the Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon. He is known to be one of the most powerful incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

This year Janmashtami falls between August 23 and August 24. The festival is also known as the ‘Dahi Handi’ in Maharashtra.  

History and Significance:

As per the Indian mythology, Lord Krishna, son of Devaki and King Vasudeva lived over 5200 years ago in Mathura. Unfortunately, Devaki's brother Kansa, who was the then ruler of Mathura, wanted to kill Krishna as he was believed to be the reason for his fall. In the meantime, Vasudeva in a bid to protect Krishna from Kansa's evil forces took him to Gokul where he was raised by his foster parents Nanda and Yashoda.

From dodging several assassinations attempts by uncle Kansa to growing up as a charming cow herder in Gokul, every minute details of Krishna's much-celebrated life can be found in Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Krishna Janmashtami is being celebrated to worship Lord Krishna so that he eliminates the evil forces and good may always triumph. To seek his blessings, Krishna Abhishek (bathing Krishna’s idol) is performed, where milk, ghee and water are offered to the deity. Lakhs of Hindu followers also throng temples to offer prayers to him. His devotees also observe fast for the entire day.

Date and Muhurat:

Date of Janmashtami: August 24

Ashtami Tithi Begins - 08:08 (23rd August)
Ashtami Tithi Ends - 08:31 (24th August)

Parana time - Post 5:59 AM on August 25